With the threat of coronavirus, it has become the responsibility of members of the household to minimize exposure to the virus by practicing routine cleaning and disinfecting their living spaces.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, routine cleaning must involve frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, handles, tables and desks, remote controls, toilets, faucets, and sinks. Household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants appropriate for the said surfaces (check the label) must be used.
While the CDC guidelines are for households with people isolated in home care (suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19), we can also use this in keeping our houses clean and coronavirus-free.
Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
Gloves should be discarded after cleaning; if using reusable variants, they must only be dedicated to cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces.
Use soap and water for cleaning; diluted household bleach or 70 percent alcohol solution for disinfecting
When cleaning surfaces, the CDC recommends using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. Follow it up with diluted bleach or alcohol solution—as long as appropriate for the surface to be cleaned. Mix five tablespoons or 1 1/3 cup of bleach per gallon of water. For normal disinfecting, the Department of Health recommends 1 part bleach to 99 parts water.
Wash soft and porous items in warm water
Carpets, rugs, and curtains must be washed using laundry detergent and “the warmest appropriate water setting for the items,” according to the CDC.
Use disinfectant spray on soft surfaces like mattresses
Spray down couches and mattresses to remove germs and viruses. Disinfectant spray can also be used on countertops and handles.
Experts strongly recommend disinfecting other frequently touched objects such as cellphones, wallets, pens, computer keyboard and mouse or touchpad.